540-372-3040 Fredericksburg, Va.

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Questions & Answers

Often Asked Questions and their Answers

Q: What does Acupuncture Feel Like?

A: Acupuncture needles are gently placed at the specific gateways of the body we spoke of earlier. These may not be felt at all, or may be felt s a mild initial sensation upon entering followed by tingling, numbness, ache or traveling warmth. Acupressure on these same points is not often successfully used with children.


Q: What can I Expect With Acupuncture?

A: Most people are surprised at the depth of relaxation, the intensity of energy which occurs, and sense of well-being and healing which occurs from the re-balancing of energy. Often relief from symptoms is felt immediately, although relief may occur in the following days (or weeks) depending on the severity of symptoms. You will find you will look forward to treatment for the many benefits that are received from acupuncture.

Many who have lived with their condition for so many years believe they will just have to make do. Others live with pain thinning that someday it will go away. Acupuncture has succeeded in many cases where other treatment have not. You can optimize your health.

Q: What is the Function of Acupuncture?

A: While the effect of acupuncture is symptom relief, it is far more than this. With its origins in Taoism, acupuncture has served over the centuries to intercede and re-attune a person to his source. Those who receive acupuncture often not only heal physically, but experience new and profound states of peace, clarity and harmony through treatment which often has lasting impact.

Q: How Effective is Acupuncture?

A: Acupuncture is highly effective not only as a preventative medicine, but as a drug free treatment of signs and symptoms.

Studies indicate that acupuncture influences the central and peripheral nervous system. Evidence shows it releases endorphins from the brain which make acupuncture particularly effective in pain control.

Among a host of factors, acupuncture affects sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in the blood, the functioning of the gastrointestinal system and the activity of the endocrine system.

Acupuncture works with the body, strengthening and balancing energy. It improves circulation and allows the body to heal itself more quickly and more completely.



Q: Is Western Medicine incorporating Acupuncture into its system?

A: Western medical doctors have developed great interest in incorporating acupuncture, particularly as they have noticed its impact and success with addictions, AIDS, sports injuries, trauma, and pain relief.



Q: How Does Acupuncture Work?

A: As a system of medicine, it uses natural laws and energetic principles rooted in Taoism with the application of needles, energy, and pressure to specific points on the body. Each point provides a specific function in the body in regulating the free flow of vital energy for health and well-being. Acupuncture accesses the source of life itself.

The acupuncturist opens or closes specific gates or points grouped along certain lines of energy flow called meridians, which go deep into the body. Disease, for example, is prevented or treated by stimulating or reducing the flow of vital energy or qi through specific points in the body. Vital energy then is strengthened or sedated, monitored, and balanced to achieve the desired result.

Western doctors are discovering medications can suppress or stimulate electrical impulses within the body but they cannot regulate it in the way in which acupuncture can.


Q: How Will an Acupuncturists Treatment Be Different Than Other Types of Therapy?

A: The acupuncturists approach is to treat the person first. Not just these symptoms. The disease is treated as the result. Many acupuncturists listen to you extensively regarding your history and life patterns during the initial examination. Others may move directly into a physical examination.

Acupuncturist are particularly trained to observe very subtle signs and symptoms which are thought of as insignificant or often overlooked by western medical practitioners.

An acupuncturist uses the oriental diagnostic system. This takes into account many factors to determine the correct points or gateways along the vital energy pathways of the body, called meridians. These points are treated and used to regulate the vital energy in the body thereby quickening healing, enhancing health and the feeling of well-being.

The acupuncturist will talk with you about the types of therapies s/he can use to treat you. This may include acupuncture, acupressure, herbal medicines,moxibustion, nutrition, exercise, etc. S/he may recommend further treatment based on the type, severity and the duration of the condition, and your physical state at the time of treatment. For best therapeutic results, s/he will talk with you about home care recommendations so you can optimize your progress and total health!

Q: Are the Needles Sterilized?

A: Always. Most acupuncturists have now converted to the exclusive use of sterilized disposable needles which this

office uses. We have always used sterilized disposable types. These needles are discarded after each use, ensuring you absolute safety.

Q: What If My Regular Doctor isnt Familiar with the Benefits of Acupuncture?

A: With your written permission we can speak and work with him/her personally; or by your choice we can recommend a doctor who can provide a referral for acupuncture if this is needed.

Acupuncture and oriental medicine has stood the test of time for well over 2000 years! The far-reaching impact of this ancient cost effective medical system for healing, wellness, and transformation could well herald the medicine

of the future. We encourage you to proceed with confidence into new possibilities for health and well-being. We welcome you to acupuncture care.


Q: What if I am Healthy? Can Acupuncture Help Prevent Future Problems or Enhance Health?

A: Yes. Acupuncture has traditionally been used as a preventive medicine. Recent research has now verified that acupuncture stimulates immune function which increases your resistance to bacterial and viral infections. Acupuncture can dramatically increase overall vitality and energy. It treats underlying causes, a deeper kind of healing. It effects profound changes in peoples lives on the emotional level as well. Many people find that an occasional acupuncture tune-up is the best medicine to feel in sync and insure continuing health.


Q: Is Acupuncture Safe?

A: Yes. Because acupuncture treatment is drug-free, you avoid the risk of drugs which can cause many side effects or dependency. During each acupuncture session your acupuncturist can adjust the treatment according to your symptoms so that you receive constant monitoring of any changes. Always inform your health practitioner about all preexisting conditions, known problems, the names of all medications you are taking; if you are or could be pregnant; and if you have a cardiac pacemaker. Your acupuncturist will be able to evaluate your specific situation with this information to ensure best results.

Acupuncturist receives extensive training and are licensed or certified by strict state or foreign country regulatory boards. Many highly trained acupuncturists work closely with medical doctors in their local community who regularly find that the combination of treatments is very effective and beneficial for the patient.

Q: Is Acupuncture Recommended for Emergency Situations or Acute Medical Problems?

A: It is strongly recommended that you first seek immediate medical attention at a nearby hospital for such conditions as difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath; dizziness, fainting or feeling faint; pain or pressure in the chest or upper abdomen, sudden weakness or severe pain; sudden bleeding; injuries, falls, suicide attempts, and when surgery, tests, x-rays, and life support equipment may be needed. Once the emergency is over, you can then see an Acupuncturist. An Acupuncturist can be seen for first Aid circumstances in certain instances, depending on the circumstances.


Q: Are There Any Other Conditions for which Acupuncture is not recommended?


A: Yes. Acupuncture is generally not recommended for the primary treatment of severe infection, cancer, and heart failure. However, acupuncture has been found very useful in studies inside the U.S. and other parts of the world for easing the effects of chemotherapy and of pain in advanced cancer patients.

Q: Who Should I see First, an MD or an Acupuncturist?

A: This is at your discretion. An acupuncturist has 7-9 years of schooling and experience varies. They both specialize in patient care however the approach and treatment will be different. Does your condition fall within the general guidelines mentioned in the list included in this brochure for acupuncture? You may want to talk with the acupuncturist on the phone before scheduling an appointment. Get a feel for the particular practitioners approach to care. You should be given some direction as to how to best proceed. An Acupuncturist can also tell you if a referral is required.


Q: Can Acupuncture Improve Athletic Performance or Treat Sports or Work-Out Injuries?

A: Absolutely yes. Acupuncture can speed healing and eliminate the discomfort of many sports injuries.


Q: Can I continue taking My Regular Medication While Receiving Acupuncture?

A: Yes. Acupuncture treatment may be used along with other medical care to great advantage. It has also been used for pain control after other medical or dental procedures, of improving healing, and to lesson the side-effects of some drugs.


Q: Can Acupuncture be used with Infants or Children?


A: Yes. Treatment without needles is primarily used for young children. Studies have shown that it is useful for treating jaundice in newborns. Infants and babies can also be successfully treated for colic, earache, cerebral palsy, myopia, and bed-wetting. Many parents have found that by introducing their children to acupuncture, many childhood diseases are avoided. In the Orient, parents are encouraged to have their children treated every month as a preventive measure.


Q: Can Acupuncture Help Senior Citizens?

A: Yes. Acupuncture is for people of all ages, but the elderly can often experience great benefits from enhanced circulation. It can assist with insomnia. It can increase mental clarity and regulate stroke patients as soon as possible after their diagnosis because it is helpful in eliminating or decreasing related paralysis.


Q: Can Acupuncture Be Effective When Other Treatments Have failed?



A: Yes. Each system of medicine has its own areas in which it has its greatest effectiveness. Acupuncture's advantage is that its diagnostic and treatment system has a broad and deep understanding of our energetic nature, as well as the impact of energy in healing. It is not limited by western medicine assumption that disease is based in biochemistry. Acupuncture is powerful medicine which works, despite belief or unknown factors.


Q: Does Acupuncture Hurt?

A: Most people are surprised (and relieved!) to learn that acupuncture needles are very thin. Not like hypodermic needles which are big and hollow that nurses use for shots. Acupuncturists can attain a high level of skill in gently placing these tiny needles and often the insertion is barely perceptible. And there is more good news! The needles are usually inserted only several millimeters in depth again, very unlike hypodermic injections. The acupuncturist will help you to relax and receive the most value from treatment. After the needle is inserted you may feel nothing or sometimes a vague numbness,heaviness or slight tingling. The treatment is effective whether their is sensed or not. After treatment, many experience a euphoric feeling and often profound peace.


Q: Why are you so much cheaper than other Acupuncturists?

A: I don't have the upkeep that other practitioners have in keeping an expensive outside office.I've done that, and don't find much of a difference and certainly doesn't reflect any different on the quality of care I give my patients.You don't need a big fancy office to get results.


Q: Do you have any Free Classes or Meetings?

A: Yes. These will be starting up again in February of 2008.

These are for People who find this website or hear about us want to learn more about natural alternative healthcare and treatments which include acupuncture and its benefits. It is free to everyone and all patients/clients are encouraged to attend.

Also, there will be a class on the how, what, where, when and why of herbal medicine and how you may benefit. Everyone is welcome.

The other classes or workshops are held with a minimal fee to compensate for some of the energy put into these. Donation offerings are also accepted but not mandatory at these classes to pay for remaining balances on advertising, materials and refreshments. Advertising is expensive, all classes are made affordable but not widely advertised, so if you have attended or want to, please spread the word to others and/or bring your friends.

Pre-registration is required in order to allow for enough room. This makes everyone comfortable.
On occasion, I will consider traveling to conduct classes or workshops. If you know of a group that would be interested in hearing me speak and hold a class in that area, please let us know. I will certainly consider it.

Q: What if I just want a massage? Massage is healthy!


A: Yes, that is great! Because we provide professional healthcare with your health in mind, we certainly believe in massage as being healthy for you and encourage it.

The best way to get a good massage is to let the person doing it, know what is going on with your body first. We do this with our first visit evaluation.
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What is an EMI Evaluation, EMI Chart, and EMI Exam?

EMI stand for 'Energy Meridian Index’. It is a new and revolutionary way of energetically testing for blockages, excess and/or deficiencies within each of the meridians and organs.
This O.M. Diagnosis-type testing was invented by Dr. Melanie J. Myers, L. Ac. and is not available anywhere else.
Here are some important questions that were answered by Dr. Myers that you may find helpful.

Q: What is a meridian?

A: It is a pathway in which Qi , also called life-force runs through the body via these meridians and supplies every cell, tissue and organ. Without the life-force, the body would wither and die.


Q: Why is it important to get EMI Testing and when?


A: On your first visit, you will have the option of receiving the initial examination. This information will then be put into chart form and explained in consultation so that you can see your overall and specific health status.

The Initial EMI Evaluation, Chart and Exam is optional and of no charge because it provides vital and important information on your health. It is also suggested that you receive one at mid-way and at the end of your treatments so that you can compare how much progress you have made and your current health status.
Our bodies don’t always exhibit signs or symptoms of illness initially and disease or an out-of-balanced state can remain hidden until the damage has further progressed and then is often too far along for the damage to be reversed. Prevention is key to health and overcoming the ‘silent killer’s such as heart and other organ diseases, cancer, diabetes etc. EMI testing can detect illness or out of balance states of disease before they do their damage.
EMI Evaluations will compare your progress from each prior test period as they build upon each other like stepping stones on the path to better health.
By this process, we hope to encourage clients to follow through with their treatments so they can see and experience the end result.


Q: How do you perform this evaluation?

A: How do I perform this evaluation? Well, in order to test, you have to first be sensitive and then have the experience to feel and interpret the energy running through each meridian and organ. You can say it is a talent or skill that is fortunately inherently within me, brought out through my spiritual training and it developed from there.


Q: What kind of spiritual training have you had and from who?

A: well, I grew up with a lot of wonderful people and tools around me. I knew about the world of energy around us at a very young age. It wasnt till a few years ago that I met my spiritual teacher. He is a Hawaiin Kahuna. Kahuna means priest. Their religion is called Huna which has been passed down by mouth since the beginning of mankind but never written about till author, Max Freedom Long. Although he never taught me 'how to heal others' , he instead helped me to see the world with open eyes, from a wider perspective, how we are connected by a supreme being and to eachother, and that unconditional love is the energy by which universes and mankind are created and run. He also helped me to develop that which was already within me, a unique set of talents, bringing them out gently. I found that the more I let go of situations, people, things, and ideas, everything became much more simpler and easier and this love energy flowed even more in through and around my body and environment helping me to develop my skills. When this energy is abundant, it is there to share with others. I use this when i meet with others whether it is in class, a workshop, during a treatment, or in person. This way all benefit to the best of thier ability from our connection or meeting.

Q: what does Reverend or the initials O.M. mean?

A: O.M. are the initials for ordained healing minister, which allows me to use these initials and also to marry people. It also helps others to identify with what I do.



Q: How and when did you find out you could do this?

A: I realized I had this talent or skill when I first visited my mom and was told she had cancer. I was able to perceive the liver at highly toxic levels by merely touching certain parts of the body and sometime not touching anything. This was when I had no idea that cancer cells actually produced toxins in the body. I could feel the pulses of the tumors throughout her abdomen at my fingertips and the liver organ pulse (used in oriental medicine was very minimal and not working properly and was about to ‘give up’, due to its highly toxic level. I indicated to her that she needed to immediately go on a cleanse to detox her liver or it wasn’t going to continue to do its job! When the liver stops working, the person dies because it can no longer filter the toxins out of the body along with the kidneys. The masters of old use to due this and I am only bringing it forward in an updated fashion.

Q: Aren’t machines more accurate at being able to read the meridian levels of energy?
A: there are some that will find an acupuncture point and others that will register the level of each meridian; however they are not very accurate, nor do they register the energy of the entire meridian.The machine along with the aid of the acupuncturist uses a probe on specific points. Acupuncturists are trained anatomically where acupuncture points are located, but there are many variances that have to also be accounted for. Each human being has generally the same anatomy, yet we are not at all alike. Even the right and left sides of the body are not symmetrically even and parts grow that aren’t suppose to be there and some are missing or we have more than one, or they are misplaced. So there are many variances. Then also, since the acupuncture points consist of energy, they are in constant motion and may not necessarily be in the same place all the time but actually move around a bit. Therefore, it is vital that we begin to utilize the good ole fashioned way of finding these spots and also the beginning and ending of each energy pathway and organ. Acupuncturists rely on wrist pulses to identify the health of the body. This can for most part be accurate however, if there is a deficiency within the arm, there wont be sufficient circulation of blood and energy running through to the wrist and can result in an inaccurate reading. All the more reason to use not only the knowledge of what an acupuncturist learned in school, but also incorporate their God-given, spiritually inherent talents and develop them into a skill they can use. I believe this will be an important part of the healthcare system and many physicians and healers of all kinds will use this method in the near future.

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